80’s at 8 Rockturnal With Scotty B Monday 05-01-23
Portrait of English Rock group the Stranglers as they pose backstage at the Park West, Chicago, Illinois, April 19, 1983. Pictured are, from left, Jet Black (born Brian Duffy), Dave Greenfield, Hugh Cornwell, and Jean-Jacques Burnel. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images)
The first track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was Golden Brown by The Stranglers. . Released in 1981, it is one of the band’s most well-known and beloved tracks. The song’s title refers to a type of heroin that was popular in the UK during the 1980s, and the lyrics seem to allude to the drug’s effects. However, the band has always maintained that the song is not explicitly about drugs, and that the lyrics are open to interpretation. The track’s musical composition is what truly sets it apart, with its distinctive harpsichord melody and haunting vocal harmonies. The band members were inspired by classical music, particularly Baroque and Romantic composers, and this influence is evident in the song’s intricate arrangement and use of unconventional instrumentation.
Despite its unconventional sound, Golden Brown was a commercial success upon its release, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song has since been covered by a variety of artists, including Adele, The Horrors, and The Maccabees.
The legacy of Golden Brown is a testament to the enduring appeal of The Stranglers’ unique musical vision. The song’s blend of classical and rock influences, combined with its ambiguous lyrics and haunting melody, has ensured its place in the annals of rock history. It remains a beloved classic that continues to captivate new generations of listeners with its timeless appeal. You can watch the music video for Golden Brown by The Stranglers below:
The second track in tonight’s 80’s at 8 was Invisible Sun by The Police. It was released in 1981 as a single from their fourth studio album, “Ghost in the Machine”. The song was written by the band’s frontman Sting and deals with the subject of the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The song’s lyrics are a commentary on the political conflict and violence that plagued Northern Ireland during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Sting sings about the bleakness of life in a warzone, the frustration of trying to make sense of the conflict, and the search for hope and a better future. The song’s title, “Invisible Sun,” refers to the idea that despite the darkness of the present, there is still a glimmer of light and hope that shines through. Musically, “Invisible Sun” is a departure from The Police’s earlier punk and new wave influences, featuring a slower tempo, atmospheric synths, and a prominent saxophone solo. The song’s haunting melody and melancholic tone perfectly capture the somber mood of the lyrics. The song was initially met with controversy due to its political subject matter and the fact that it was banned by the BBC, which deemed the song’s lyrics to be too sensitive for broadcast. “Invisible Sun” is a powerful and poignant song that captures the mood of a turbulent time in Northern Ireland’s history. The song’s lyrics and melody work together to create a haunting and evocative portrait of life in a warzone, while still maintaining a sense of hope for the future. It remains a classic example of the power of music to bring attention to important social and political issues and to provide comfort and hope during difficult times. You can watch the music video for Invisible Sun by The Police Below:
